Looking to start a business? Make a pitch June 6 Applications being accepted until early May

Friday, April 26, 2013

ROCHESTER — Judging for the 2013 Startup Rochester Business Competition has been announced by the Rochester Economic Development Department and abi Innovation Hub CEO Jamie Coughlin for Thursday, June 6, at 36 Industrial Way in the Ten Rod Road Business Park, from 5:30-8 p.m. Finalists will be on hand and asked to make their pitch at the 2013 Start Up Rochester Business Competition scheduled. This “Shark-Tank!” like event is not to be missed.

The Rochester Economic Development Department and abi Innovation Hub wish to thank and recognize the following sponsors who have made this exciting event possible: Presenting Sponsor: Bank of New Hampshire. Supporting Sponsors: Albany International, Federal Savings Bank, Thompson Investment Casting, SEDC, Pixel Media, and Profile Bank. A special thank you to Riley Enterprises Inc. and Grubb and Ellis Northern New England for providing the facility and catering for this event.

“We are very excited to sponsor such an innovative program here in Rochester,” explained Jon Shapleigh, Commercial Lender at Bank of New Hampshire. “This is a growing community, with a lot of potential, and an event like this can really showcase the talent located in New Hampshire and in the city.”

There is still time to enter your business idea. The application process will remain open through the beginning of May. The winning business plan will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus over $7,500 of in-kind services. Applications are available at the Economic Development office or on their website: www.ThinkRochester.biz (click on the Library tab.)

This competition will identify startup companies, provide contestants with the opportunity to be found by potential venture investors as well as by customers. It is a great way to test the marketplace and get feedback on your business idea. The 2013 Start Up Rochester Business Competition is open to for-profit, technology-focused businesses, formed no more than five years prior to the deadline for the application, and have not raised more than $100,000 in funding from unaffiliated parties, and as of the time of the application have not had revenues exceeding $100,000 annually. If you have an innovative idea, or have started a business that qualifies, you are welcome to submit an application. There is no application fee and you do not have to be a Rochester resident. Along with the application, each contestant must submit a maximum five-page business plan. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in the final selection of the winning contestant. Tickets for this event are free, but they ask that you reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets are available at http://2013startuprochester.eventbrite.com

Following the competition, qualified applicants may be invited to participate in a start up accelerator program where they will receive expert advice and access to resources to help grow their business.

For more information, contact the Economic Development Office at (603) 335-7522 or visit www.ThinkRochester.biz and click on 2013 Startup Rochester Business Competition application under the Library tab.